health
May 7, 2026
Argentina reports an increase in hantavirus cases without an active outbreak, according to an expert
Argentina reports an increase in hantavirus cases, although without an outbreak of the disease transmitted by rodents, as explained this Wednesday to AFP by biologist Raúl González Ittig.
TL;DR
- Argentina has seen an increase in hantavirus cases, with 42 reported in 2026 and 101 in the current epidemiological campaign (June to June).
- This is nearly double the 57 cases from the previous period, but experts like biologist Raúl González Ittig emphasize there is no atypical situation or outbreak.
- A sanitary alert is in place for a cruise ship that departed from Ushuaia with three deaths linked to a hantavirus focus.
- Local transmission in Ushuaia is considered improbable, as there have never been reports of hantavirus in Tierra del Fuego.
- The last significant outbreak occurred in Epuyén, Chubut, in late 2018, leading to over 50 infections and 15 fatalities.